Free Museums in Shotts

"Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF Open daily from 10.30 to 16.30 Free to enter, donations welcome. Arguably Edinburgh's largest and busiest museum, the National Museum of Scotland has a range of exhibits from around the world, showcasing the Natural World, World Cultures and Scottish History and Archaeology. Before you explore the exhibits on display, take a moment to take in the striking architecture of the Grand Gallery, a beautiful example of Victorian design with soaring high pillars, large windows and a magnificent glass ceiling that floors the gallery with light."

"As one of the largest museums in Edinburgh and my personal favorite, the National Museum of Scotland is a great thing to do in Edinburgh for couples thanks to the immersive exhibits and sheer amount of things to do there. Whether you’re interested in flying technology or old Roman ruins or natural history exhibits, there is something for you to explore here. The open air feeling of the main building helps create a welcoming atmosphere, and the café is also in a lovely spot for people watching and getting to know each other."

"Discover Scotland’s rich and turbulent history with six levels dedicated to the different periods of the country’s history. The museum houses over 20,000 artefacts that will take you on a fascinating journey through time. Learn how Scotland became the country it is today by delving into the kingdom it used to be, its journey with industrialisation, and the modern period today — all under one roof."

"Learn how childhood has changed over time, explore old toys and what it meant to be a child in different eras of Scottish history. Make sure to check the Museum’s calendar of events, as they host regular family workshops as well as a quiz and games page online for entertainment after your visit. A great day out for the whole family."

"The Museum of Childhood is a collection of children’s toys and playthings, situated on the Royal Mile, in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was the first museum in the world to specialise in the history of childhood."

"With an interactive puppet theatre and dress up area, this is a spot for the whole family as adults can reminisce about old toys and the kids can see what came before the Xbox and iPads."

"Together with your family go through a journey of discovery and learn about the wonderful planet we live in. Have an interactive 4DVENTURE around the world or feel the heat of a bubbling volcano and the chill of the polar ice. If that’s not enough for you, visit the depths of the ocean in a yellow submarine and explore the aquatic world."

"Take an interactive journey through the history of the earth. Go to the tundra or the bottom of the ocean, never being more than a stone’s throw from the Scottish Parliament and Arthur’s Seat.Holyrood Road, 550 7800, dynamicearth.co.uk. Daily 10am–5.30pm (until 6pm in Jul & Aug; closed Mon & Tue Nov–Mar)."

"Dynamic Earth is a state of the art family attraction near Edinburgh in Scotland. It takes visitors through our history from the Big Bang theory up to the modern-day. It's a chance to experience the primaeval forces of nature as they shaped..."

"Canongate, The Royal Mile, EH8 8DX (website) Open daily 9:30am-6pm (26 March to 31 October) and 9:30am-4.30pm (1 November to 25 March)Adult: £6.70, Over 60/Students £6.10, Under 17/Disabled: £3.40, unders 5's go free. If you like art but find conventional art galleries too big and daunting, then the Queen's Gallery is the answer, as it hosts small intimate exhibitions as part of the Royal Collection Trust. The building is a conversion of a former Holyrood Free Church and Duchess of Gordon’s School and features a beautiful teak and sycamore staircase."

"Situated at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, this gallery is one of 15 in the UK that houses the Royal Collection, the largest private art collection in the world. This is a fascinating record of the personal tastes of kings and queens over the past 500 years, comprising decorative arts, drawings, watercolours, paintings and photographs. Those that have made contributions to the collection over the years include Frederick Prince of Wales, George IV, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary."

"The Queen's Gallery, located in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, was opened by Her Majesty The Queen in November 2002 as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations. Now, it hosts a programme of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. A worthwhile stop on a visit to the Royal Mile."

"Transport yourself to the Outlander set at Callendar Park & House. Callendar Park & House was used for one of the most well-known Outlander scenes as the Duke of Sandringham’s home."

"The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is actually two institutions—Modern One and Modern Two—situated within two grand Georgian mansions flanking a sculpture park. Modern One has British artists like Francis Bacon, David Hockney, Damien Hirst, and Tracey Emin; American artists like Andy Warhol; and legends like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Modern Two has a particularly impressive Dada and Surrealism collection; you can arrange a private viewing of the archives, a real treasure trove of those movements."

"From Cubism and Expressionism to 20th-century Russian and French pieces, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is unmissable for art buffs. With two early-19th-century buildings to explore (Modern One and Modern Two) and sweeping green spaces dotted with sculptures (including monumental earthworks by Charles Jencks), it’s well worth leaving the city centre to explore the galleries. Modern Two contains the intact studio of erstwhile Edinburgh sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi."

"The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is housed in 2 historic buildings. Art lovers will be in their element viewing the over 6000 pieces on display. For the latest exhibitions visit the official Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art website."

"Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DWOpen 10am to 5pm dailyAdult: £8, Students, NHS staff and children under 16: £4.50, unders 5's go free. If you are fascinated by the wonders of the human body, this museum is a must-visit. Owned by The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Surgeons' Hall Museums consist of the Wohl Pathology Museum, the History of Surgery Museum and The Dental Collection."

"Housed in a grand Ionic temple designed by William Playfair in 1832, these three fascinating museums were originally established as teaching collections. The History of Surgery Museum provides a look at surgery... Top ChoiceGardens in Stockbridge"

"Getting to Camera Obscura : Located on Castlehill, the museum is a 6 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Edinburgh. Photo credit: Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh. Right at the top of the Royal Mile, just a few seconds walk from Edinburgh Castle, is the most fun, interactive museum on this list."

"Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a quirky little museum just down the hill from the Castle. It’s one of the most popular Edinburgh attractions and great fun for the whole family. The museum is set over 5 floors and contains hundreds of illusions, many of which are interactive."

"First opening in 1835, this tourist attraction has been entertaining Edinburgh visitors for centuries. So it is certainly one of the best kids activities in Edinburgh. Today there are five floors of interactive optical illusions, where technology and magic meet."

"The Physicians' Gallery is a free public exhibition space which is part of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. Our exhibitions are based on the wealth of historical medical material which the College has collected over the last 300 years. ‘Moonstruck: 500 years of mental health’ is our new free exhibition– opening on 14 June 2019 and running until Spring 2020"

"The Waiting Room offers Scottish, American, Big and Vegetarian breakfast options. The lunch menu is heavy on the burgers and clubs (nothing wrong with that), but they also have a few “traditional” lunch options like fish, mix grills and soup. Whatever your fancy, The Waiting Room Bar looks to have a little something for all and the prices are very reasonable."

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"Mashed potato is the culinary glue that binds all food together. Makars Gourmet Mash Bar pays homage to this truth with potatoes galore. Once more, every single food item is locally produced and free from all the bad stuff."

"A post shared by Makars Gourmet Mash Bar Co. (@makarsmashbar) on Nov 19, 2019 at 9:49am PST. Quick bit of advice: don't come here if you don't like potatoes. But if you do, then welcome to heaven."

"Makars Gourmet Mash Bar, found on Bank Street, has wonderful reviews which include several people praising the extensive menu for featuring plenty of vegetarian and vegan options."